Fabiana Morse Gosson Jorge (ELP 2024) | Wildlife Conservation and Public Health Consultant, AZ Nunes Ltda., Brazil
Despite being born in a large metropolis in Brazil, I have always been connected to nature in some way. My father used to take us to the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira, and my mother to the beautiful beaches of the northern coast of São Paulo. However, deforestation and the irregular exploitation of natural resources were always present in the landscapes we frequented.
Motivated by the need to assist in biodiversity conservation on a planet where biodiversity loss is mainly associated with human actions, and also to contribute to public health maintenance, I became a veterinarian. Intriguingly, I began my professional career working on the recovery of degraded areas. I aimed to assist in the formation of ecological corridors that would allow the maintenance of biodiversity by connecting fragments of riparian forests, in partnership with the São Paulo Botanical Institute.
Discovering New Paths
As life is more creative than we are, I ended up discovering that I could work with the rescue of wild animals in areas targeted by impactful environmental actions, such as vegetation suppression and the movement of large amounts of earth, which caused total loss or significant modification of their natural habitats. There we could educate the field workers and program directors about the importance of wildlife conservation.
While working in Wildlife Screening and Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil, besides the hard task of dealing with injured animals, electrocuted, preyed upon by domestic animals in urban or peri-urban areas, or coming from illegal trafficking and hunting, our biggest challenge was habitat loss. Where to release those animals that were fit to return to nature?
Shift in Focus: Strategic Action
With this feeling of dissatisfaction and anguish, after 16 years of managing and conserving wildlife, I realized an urgent need to shift my efforts towards more strategic action. I wanted to act before the problem occurred, preventing deforestation and all the negative impacts resulting from it. Now, I feel that I can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity by identifying priority actions and encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors. Mediating conflicts among different stakeholders and contributing to the generation of educational material are some of the ways I believe I can make a difference.
Embracing One Health
In recent years, my journey has led me to embrace the concept of One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. My background in public health, environmental health, and animal health has provided me with a unique perspective on how these domains are interlinked. By promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices, we can reduce the incidence of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Healthy ecosystems act as buffers, reducing the risk of disease spillover.
Protecting wildlife habitats and preventing deforestation directly contribute to the well-being of animal populations. Healthy animal populations are less likely to be vectors of diseases that can affect humans and other animals.Sustainable management of natural resources ensures the long-term health of ecosystems. This, in turn, supports both human and animal health by providing clean air, water, and fertile soil.
By integrating the One Health approach into my work, I aim to create a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes of health issues across all three domains. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts but also promotes a healthier planet for all its inhabitants. I would not be able to do anything alone, that’s why I believe that together we can make the difference!
